Lubricating system for sewing machines and parts thereof



y 1939- J. P. was 2,157,371

LUBRICATING SYSTEM FOR SEWING MACHINES AND PARTS THEREOF Filed NOV. 18, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet l OIL LEVEL INVENTOR Jul/Al IVF/s May 9, 1939. P, was 2,157,371

LUBRICATING SYSTEM FOR SEWING MACHINES AND PARTS THEREOF Filed Nov. 18, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 A TTOR Y May 9, 1939. l s 7 2,157,371

LUBRICATING SYSTEM FOR SEWING MACHINES AND PARTS THEREOF Filed NOV. 18, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEY J. P. WEIS May 9, 1939.

LUBRICATLNG SYSTEM FOR S EWING MACHINES AND PARTS THEREOF Filed Nov. 18, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 A TTORNE Jam/PW 2/ L W QQ- May 9, J P was 2,157,371

LUBRICATlNG SYSTEM FOR SEWING MACHINES AND PARTS THEREOF Filed NOV. 18, 1955 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 G INVENTOR J01! P W515 BY Maw A TTORNE y 9, 1939. J. P. WElS 2,157,371

LU-BRICATING SYSTEM FOR SEWING MACHINES AND PARTS THEREOF Filed Nov. 18, 1955 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTO Joy/v P Was Wk-EW A TTORNEY Patented May 9, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LUBRICATING MACHINES AND SYSTEM FOR SEWING PARTS THEREOF Application November is, 1935, Serial No. 50.460

10 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in lubricating systems and parts thereof for sewing machines and to a method of making the same, and is a continuation in part of my application Serial No. 11,488, filed March 16, 1935.

Lubrication of any high speed machine usually presents many problems. However, very special problems are involved in the lubrication of sewing machines, and especially those in which it is de- 10 sired to obtain very high speeds. Because there are many moving parts in sewing machines, numerous bearings are required and it is highly important that each be lubricated properly. Further, because many of the parts have free ends which are moved through a considerable path, heavy loads are imposed upon the bearings, and consequently they should be continuously and thoroughly lubricated.

In sewing machines it is highly important that 20 none of the lubricant reaches the work, either by: (1) leaking directly onto the work; (2)v leaking onto the outer surface of the machine and being carried onto the Work by the operatorshands; (3) getting out of the machine onto the 25 adjacent work bench upon which either the fin- 35 of friction in a more satisfactory manner than those heretofore provided so that extremely high speeds may be obtained and maintained, and so that there is no danger of the lubricant ever contacting with the materials either before, during, 40 or after the sewing operation.

- It is another object of the present invention to provide a sewing machine in which it is not necessary for an operator to manually oil any of the bearings or operating parts.

Features resulting from the accomplishment of this desideratum and the attainment of these ob,- jects include the provision of a lubricating system for sewing machines adapted to:

(1) Force feed lubricant to practically all of 5 the many main operating bearings in a simple,

needle operating mechanisms without danger of passing oil to the work, even though these mechanisms are close to the work as it is passed through the machine.

(3) Lubricate remote and less important bearings very efiiciently, with a novel structure effectinga combined force and/or gravity feeding of the lubricant.

(4) Confine lubricant very thoroughly in a chamber forming a reservoir for lubricant and a housing for practically all of the main driving mechanism by a novel inner and/or outer retaining structure.

(5) Apprise the operator at all times relative to whether and the extent to which lubricant is being passed through the system.

(6) Eificiently store and pump lubricant, and also to eifectively'screen or filter the same. a

(7) Permit the work plate to be moved quickly into and out of operative and inoperative position relative to the main frame without using special tools to disconnect pipes, joints, or the like in the lubricating system. I

(8) Deposit an infinitesimal amount of lubricant vapor on the sewing thread or threads, automatically, to minimize thread breakage.

(9) Pass oil vapor directly to bearings.

(10) Collect oil vapor which might otherwise be wasted or adversely deposited on the adjacent work holding bench supporting the sewing machine, and deposit the collected vapor on bearings of operating parts overlying the work plate, to oil the latter automatically.

It is a further, and important, object of the presentinvention to provide a lubricating system for sewing machines which will dispense with usual suspended pipes between various operating parts, with unsatisfactory soldered and threaded connections, which are often kinked, split, jarred loose, or otherwise adversely impaired, and one dispensing with the unsatisfactory use of oil conducting wicks.

Features resulting from the accomplishment of this object include: the provision of oil conducting ducts entirely within the top and bottom faces of the top plate; in one form, the provision of integral oil conducting ducts cast within the main frame of the sewing machine; in another form, the'provision of a system of oil conducting pipes cast directly within the main frame of the sewing machine; and, a novel method of casting a plurality of interconnected oil conducting pipes directly within the sewing machine frame, without danger of filling the pipes with the molten metal of the casting.

Other objects, features, and advantages will appear hereinafter.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front view of the sewing machine embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a'top plan view of the machine shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 33 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 2, showing the main driving mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary View of the main driving mechanism.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the lower operating parts taken on line 6-6 of Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 7.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 1-1 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary detail of that section of the work plate which underlies the housing for the needle operating mechanism.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken through the middle of the main drive shaft, line 9-9 of Figs. 2 and 6.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken on line Ill-I0 of Figs. 2 and 6.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary detail of the oil conducting webs.

Fig. 12 is a half size top plan view of a modified form of top plate.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the top plate,

taken on line |3-|3 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a sectional view, taken on line |4-|4 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the oil pipe system provided by the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a rear view of the ,oil pipe system shown in Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary sectional, view taken on line of Fig. 7.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line |9-|8 of Fig. '7.

Fig. 19 is a detail view of the distributor plate.

Fig. 20 is a sectional view of the shaft lubricating structure provided by this present invention.

The detailed description which follows is under various headings to facilitate an understand-. ing of the various mechanisms and their mode of operation, and to disclose the present improved lubricating system. The present invention is not limited to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated and described herein, for the invention is capable of other embodiments in whole or part, in sewing machines other than those of overedgetype, and the phraseology used is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

First there is a brief description of the general structure and the various operating parts, and secondly a very detailed description of the novel lubricating system provided by the present invention.

Main frame and deneral structure In its present preferred. form, the sewing machine embodying the present invention comprises a main frame 20 having a bottom 2|, and having front, rear, left side, and right side walls 22, 23, 24, and 25 respectively, preferably forming a. reservoir 26 for lubricant 21. A plug 21' maybe provided to occasionally draw off the lubricant. A glass insert 28 may be provided to indicate the level of lubricant in the reservoir. Rubber cork or other resilient plugs 29 in bosses 29' are provided to minimize vibration between the machine and bench.

A work plate 30 is supported on the main frame 20 by preferably spaced pivot connections 3|, including suitable rearwardly projecting lugs 32 on the main frame 20 and cooperating lugs 33 on the work plate 30 with pointed studs 34 therebetween entering tapered holes 34', as may be seen best in Figs. 2 and 7.

The work plate 30 is movable about the pivot connections 3| into a raised inoperative position for repairs and adjustments, where it is held by a pin and slot connection 35 (Fig. 3), and into a lowered operative position where it is held by a catch 36 (Fig. 1).

In order to provide an effective oil seal between the main frame 20 and the work plate 30 and also to provide a very effective noise and vibration absorber, the present invention provides a cork, felt or like pad 31, preferably located in a suitable channel 38 in the top edge of the side walls 22 through 25. The underside of the work plate rests upon this pad. The side wall 25 is provided with a concave section 39 (see Figs. 1, 7, 9, and 10) with a coextensivepad 31 and channel 38 shaped like and underlying a bearing lug 40, to prevent oil-leakage.

The work plate 30, preferably, and as shown, is adapted to advantageously support a trimming mechanism 42, thread control mechanism 43, a

Main driving mechanism The main driving mechanism 50, best seen in Figs. 3, 4, 5, 'I, 9, and 10, preferably comprises a substantially one piece main drive shaft 46 having a split sleeve bearing 5| near the middle andhaving a ball bearing 52 at the right side and a similar ball bearing 53 on the left side.

These bearings 5|, 52, 53 are supported relative to the work plate 30 in suitable coaxial bores 54, 55, and 56 either by a forced fit or any conventional holding screws, in depending walls 51, 56, and 59. If preferred, these solid bores may be conventional split bores with cap sections, as shown in my aforesaid application Serial No. 11,488, filed March 16,1935.

Axial movement of the main drive shaft 46, seen best in Fig. 9, may be prevented by one or more of the following: the ends of the split bearing 5| engaging flanges on the main drive shaft; the flange 60 and pulley hub 6| engaging the bearing 52; the hub 62 and head 63 at the left end of the main drive shaft 46 engaging the bearing 53. The main drive pulley 6| is secured to the right end of the drive shaft in any suitable manner.

Although it would be possible to have the hub 62, head 63, and eccentric 64 integral with the remainder of the main drive shaft 46, the head and eccentric are preferably made separate and secured into extension 62 in the left hand end of the main drive shaft by any suitable holding means. Oil retainers 65 may be provided in the ball bearings 52 and 53 to prevent oil from escaping. The main drive shaft is provided with a feed lift crank 66 and an upper looper crank on the left side of the bearing and with a combination needle and trimmer operating crank 68 and a lower looper crank 69 on the, right side as may be seen best in Figs. 4 and 9.

Needle operating mechanism Because it is necessary to have a needle I0 travel through a considerable path in order to clear the materials during the feeding operation, to pull sufiicient thread for succeeding stitches, and to pass completely through the materials in order to cooperate with a lower looper, there is the danger of having the needle carrier II of considerable length. In fact most overedge sewing machines, in which a curved needle is used, have needle carrying arms pivoted as much as three to five inches in back of the needle working point. Consequently, with such a long arm, there is considerable material to be moved each time the needle is reciprocated and the problem of adverse inertia when the machine is operated at high speeds.

The needle operating mechanism 41 comprises a needle carrier II having 2. preferably integral shaft I2 pivotally supported for arcuate movement in bearings I3 and I4 on the underside of a top housing I5 secured to the work plate 30 by screws I6, as may be seen best in Figs. 2 and 5. The needle I0 may be clamped in a suitable hole in the carrier 'II by a nut 'II. The top housing is provided with depending lugs I1 and I8 forming the bearings I3 and I4 to pivotally or armately support the shaft I2 of the needle carrier 'II. A rearwardly extending arm I9 is secured I to the shaft I2 by a yoke 80 and screw 80 to hold an eccentric 8| against the left side of the housing I5 and thereby prevent axial movement of the shaft. I

In order to impart oscillatory movement to the needle I0 and carrier II from the raised ininertia.

Trimming mechanism The trimming mechanism 42 is best seen in Figs 1, 2, and 3. In the preferred form it comprises an upper movable cutter 86 having an adjustable connection with a cutter carrier arm 81 mounted for pivotal and axial movement on a shaft 88 which has pivotal and axial movement in upstanding lugs 89 and 90 on the work plate 30.

Although the cutter.carrier arm 81 is of substantial length, a driving connection 9| is intermediate its length, remote from the shaft 88 and close to the cutter 88, so that the arm will not yield or vibrate to the same extent as it would if the driving connection 9| extended to the shaft 88 rather than the arm, or were located behind the shaft.

A lower cutter 92 (best seen in Fig. 1) comprises a blade secured in a lower cutter carrier 93 as by suitable holding screws 94. The lower I cutter carrier is provided with a tongue 95 entering a channel 95' in aretaining plate 96 secured t a depending front wall 91 on the work plate. This channel permits the carrier to be slid transversely relati e to the line of feed. A spring 90 yieldingly urges the lower cutter 92 in good shearing engagement with the upper cutter 88. A depending finger on the upper cutter is always in engagement with the lower cutter 92 so that the spring 98 will not push the lower cutter out of shearing engagement -or into a position, directlyunderlying the upper cutter. This structure is shown most clearly in my co-pending application Serial No. 11,488, filed March 16; 1935.

A driving connection 9| for the upper cutter 86 comprises a pitman I00 having a bearing II at its lower end adapted to receive the eccentric 8| on the shaft 12 of the needle carrier 1| and at its upper, end having a pivotal connection I02 to the cutter carrier arm 81 as by a stud I03. The bearing IOI may be made integral with the pitman I00 so that the eccentric 8I may be slid into the bearing prior to tightening the arm 19 on the shaft I2.

Fig. 5 clearly illustrates how the stud I03 has an axially sliding fit with a bore I03 in the cutter carrier 81 so that the trimming mechanism 42 may be shifted laterally relative to' the needle, As the needle carrier I I is oscillated, the eccentric 8| through the crank-arm 83 imparts absolute coordinate movement to the carrier ,81 and cutter 86.

Presser device carrier-arm I09 and to locate it against lateral displacement while a screw IIO holds it against vertical displacement relative to the block. Di-- vers presser feet III may be secured to the front end of the spring carrier-arm.

The main pressure of the presser foot toward the work plate is accomplished by a coil spring I I2 located in a suitable bore in the carrier block I04 as may be seen best in Fig. 2, preferably having a ball H3 at the lower end adapted to slide over the work plate 30. A screw stud I I4 permits various pressure adjustments.

An arm II5 extending rearwardly of the carrier block I04 is provided to lift the presser foot into an inoperative position relative to the work plate 30. Preferably, it is provided with any, usual type of foot treadle connection. The

presser device is more completely described, shown and claimed in my copending application Serial No. 86,922, filed June 24, 1936.

Feeding mechanism Figs 3, 4, 6, 7, and particularly ShOW a differential feeding mechanism '50 comprising a feed dog carrier III having a pivotal connection II8with a sleeve II9 on a feed rocker frame I20.

A primary feed dog I2I is at the front end of the carrier III. A differential feed dog I22 may also be slidably secured thereto by a screw I23. Both feed dogs reciprocate in a slot I24 in a needle plate I25. Substantially midway of its length the carrier H7 is provided with a feedlift connection I26 (Figs. 6 and 9) including a split bearing I21 fitting upon the crank 66 of the main drive shaft 46 which in turn slides in an elongated slot I29 (Figs. 6 and 9).

A feed rocking connection I30 is provided to impart variable extents of movement to materials on the work plate 30 under the presser device 44 and relative to the needle 10 and primary feed dog I2I. Main feed rocking movement of the carrier H1 and primary feed dog I2I secured thereto, is effected by a rearwardly extending crank-arm I3I connected to the adjustable eccentric 64 by a bearing I32 at the front end and at the back end by hearing I33 to the sleeve II 9 on the rocking frame I20 which is pivoted on the sleeve I34 in bearings I35 and I36 on the web I31 and wall 51 of the work plate 30. By movlng the eccentric 64, less and greater feed rocking movement is imparted to the frame I20 and carrier II1.

The mechanism for moving the differential feed dog I22 (Figs. 3, '1, 9, and 10) comprises the mechanism just described and a forwardly extending crank-arm I36 connected to the eccentric 64 at one end, and at its other end having a pivot connection I39 with a block I40 slidably mounted on a link MI. The link is, by a stud I42, link I43, and screw I23 at its upper end connected to a differential feed dog carrier I44 which is slidable in a slot I45 in the main carrier II1. At its lower end the link MI is pivoted on a stud I46. Divers differential feed dogs I22 may be connected to the differential feed dog carrier I44, Viewing Fig. 3 it will be seen that the connection I38 extending from the driving crank I38, and the slide block I40 can be shifted up and down on the curved arm I4I to effect different extents of feed movement of the feed dog I22 even though the eccentric 64 and travel of feed dog I2I are not changed.

Shifting of the slide block I40 into various stations in order to effect a differential feed is preferably accomplished instantaneously, without the use of hands, and without the necessity of lifting the Work plate 30 from the main frame 20 by the provision of a control arm I41 pivotally mounted on a stud I48, having a spring strip connection I49 under screws I50 and I5I to the slide block and having a pin and slot connection I52 with a stud I53 and outer lever I54 pivotally mounted on the left side wall 24.

This feeding mechanism is claimed and is much more completely shown and described in my copending application Serial No. 27,773, filed June 21, 1935.

Looper mechanism The looper mechanism 48 may be seen best in Figs, 3,4,5,6, and 10, and comprises alower looper mechanism 48a and an overedge looper mechanism 485, the latter having a retracted position under the work table 30 and an advanced operating position above the work table and materials being sewed (shown respectively by full lines and dot and dash lines in Fig. 10). This looper mechanism is capable of forming a usual single, double, and triple thread seam, type 501, 502, 503, 504, and 505 Federal specification for stitches, seams, and stitching.

The lower looper mechanism 48a (Figs. 4, 5, and 10 particularly) comprises a looper carrier arm I55, supporting a looper I56, on ashaft I51 pivotally mounted in a bearing I58 of a depending housing I60, and having an arm I6I extending laterally of the machine to a crank connection I62 with a crank 69 on the main drive shaft. Preferably, the connection comprises a crankarm I64 with a ball and socket joint I65 at the upper end and a similar ball and socket joint I66 at its lower end. The lower looper I56 is secured to the looper carrier I55 by screws I61 and may be readily interchanged for other slightly different shaped loopers when the size of the thread, materials being operated upon, stitch, or other similar factors make such change desirable.

The-overedge looper mechanism 481) comprises a looper carrier I68, interchangeably supporting a looper I69, on a shaft I10 shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 6, and which has a secondary arm I1I with a crank connection I12 to the crank 61 on the main drive shaft. The crank connection preferably includes a crank-arm I14 having a ball and socket joint I 15 at its upper end to the crank 61 at one end, and a similar ball and socket I16 joint to the arm I1I at its lower end. The shaft I10 is journaled in a bearing I11 of the depending housing I60.

The carrier I68 supports a looper I69 on a pivot I18 which has a secondary pivotal connection I19 intermediate its length on a crank-arm I portion of a shaft I81. parts both a vertical and oscillatory movement to the looper I69 from the full line to the dot and dash line position shown in Fig. 10.

In general, and dependent upon the type seam desired, the lower looper mechanism 48a may carry a hook-type looper or an eye-type looper, and the overedge looper mechanism 481) may carry a hook-type overedge looper or an eyetype overedge looper.

Thread tensioning control A single finger I 92 on the top of the crank arm I64 oscillates and reciprocates within a guide plate I83, having apertures to receive the three threads, onceeach time the needle 10 and loopers are actuated, and in synchronism therewith, to take up the slack thread as the needle and loopers move toward the retracted position. The puller rod I84 builds up a slack in the needle thread. The take-up finger I82 is both oscillated and reciprocated in an opening I05 in the top plate 30.

The thread control mechanism 43 is much more completely described in my copending application Serial No, 118,061, filed December 29, 1936.

Lubricating system The present invention provides a very novel lubricating system I86 and should therefore be particularly noted, from the detailed description which follows.

Attention is directed to a highly efficient oil storage and distributing structure I81 embodied in the work plate 30 comprising a main oil duct I88 extending transversely across the work plate 30 adapted to store lubricant-26 and to direct it to various distributing structures. Oil or other lubricant is supplied to this main duct by a coextensive feeder duct I 89 extending downwardly to a pump I90 secured in the side wall 25 by a screw I9I.

The pump may be operated by the back of a belt (not shown) which drives the main pulley GI, and is adapted to draw oil from a sump I92 through an inlet port I93 and to force it upwardly through the feeder duct I89 to the main duct I08.

Of particular importance, the feeder duct is provided with an enlarged bore I94 (Figs. 4 and 6) adapted to receive a cork or like sleeve insert I95 having a top face I96 adapted to receive a lower face I91 on the Work plate 30. A bore I98 in the insert conducts oil and the faces I96 and I91 form an effective joint adapted to allow the work plate to be moved about the pivot con- This looper mechanism imspectively.

nection 3| to a raised inoperative position, without disconnecting pipes, threaded unions, or the like, and without the use of special tools, and to form an effective joint'and oil seal when the work plate is lowered into the operative position shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 4. v

One means for distributing oil from the main duct I88 includes a small outlet I99 with vanes 200 and 20I on the underside of the work plate 30, as shown in Fig. ll, with the outer extremities thereof respectively overlying oil entrance holes 202 and 203 in the yoke I20 and crank-arm I14 to effectively oil the crank and yoke, when oil flows out of the aperture I99 and runs by gravity to the lower and outer extremities of the vanes and drops therefrom. Excess oil dropped onto the top of the crank-arm I14 may run downwardly'along the crank to oil the lower bearing I16 thereof, and oil dropping 'from the vane 200 thoroughly lubricates the bearings underlying it.

Similarly, vanes 204 and 205 associated with an aperture 206 in the main duct I88 are adapted to direct and drop oil or other lubricant respectively onto the top bearings at the left side of the yoke I20 and into a channel 201 at the top of the feed dog carrier II1 (Figs. 6 and 7). Oil passes from the channel 201 to the top and bottom faces 208 and 209 of the elongated slot I29 portion of the feed dog carrier II1 which slidably supports the slide bearing I21. Other vanes may be provided on the underside of the work plate in order to direct oil to other parts of the mechanism. Holes 208 and 209 pass oil to the bearing I21.

Force feed lubrication to important bearings and moving parts is also accomplished according to the present invention by providing a distributor duct 2I0 extending from the main duct I 88 to a point adjacent the suspended housing I60 supporting the upper'looper mechanism 48b and lower looper mechanism 48a. (see Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10). Oil is ejected from the aperture 2 into the chamber 2I2 section of the housing and as it moves downwardly therein, it enters apertures 2I3, 2I4, and 2I5 in sleeves I51, I19, and IBI' to lubricate the shafts I51, I10, and I8I re- Thus, thorough lubrication of the looper bearings is insured.

If preferred, a plate 2" may be snapped and held in a channel 2I6 on the underside of the depending housing I60 to change the chamber 2l2 from an open one as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 to a closed due as shown in Fig. 3. In the latter event, oil flows out over the top edge 2I8 (Figs. 6 and 7) whenihe chamber is filled. In practice it has been found that adequate lubricant is received on the bearing even though the bottom plate is not provided. 7

A novel structure is also provided to force feed lubricate both the needle and trimmer mechanisms 41 and 42 respectively. A distributor duct 2l9 (Figs. 2 and 7) extending from themain duct, has an upwardly extending outlet 220 (see Fig. 8) communicating with channels 22I, 222, and 223. The channel 22I extends to a pocket 224 (Figs. 5, '7, and 8) communicating with an open end in the rocker shaft 12 of the needlecarrier 1|, as shown in Fig. 5, and passes lengthwise in a bore 225 to outlet apertures 226, 221, 228, and 229 to lubricate bearings 13 and 14 of the rocker rod and the bearing IOI of the eccentric 8|. v

The channel 222 extends to a point above the ball bearing 53 where it has an outlet port 230 (Figs. 8 and 9) communicating with a channel 231 to carry oil to the ball bearing. As the oil flows from the outlet port.230, it flows over the side of the .bearing andinto the ball race to lubricate the same. the oil from leaking therethrough.

Similarly the channel 223 extends to a pointabove the center bearing H where it has an outlet port 235 communicating with a hole in the split bearing to lubricate section 236 of the shaft 46. If preferred, and as shown in Fig. 9, the shaft 46 may be provided with a groove 231 and aperture 238 and a coextensive duct 239 adaptedto force feed oil to cranks 61, 68 and 69 through suitable outlets.

The open side of channels 22I and 223 (as viewed in Fig. 8) is closed when the housing 15 is set above them and secured in place by screws 16. A gasket 24I is preferably provided between 1 the underside of the housing and the top of the work plate. Also, a gasket 242 having a snug fit between the end of the rocker rod and the wall 243 of the pocket 224 prevents adverse oil leakage at this point. Any suitable aperture in the gasket 242 allows oilto enter the bore 225.

A separate and similar distributor duct 244 may be provided to direct oil from the main duct I88 to the ball bearing 53 to force feed lubricant thereto. As shown in Figs. 4, 7, and 9 this duct 244 extends to a point above the bearing where it has a coextensive downwardly extending duct 245 joining a channel 246. forced from the main duct I88 through the distributor duct 244, thence through the duct 245 and channel 246, to run down over the side of the ball bearing 53, or over both sides thereof, and enter the ball race. .By omitting the retainer 65 and having the channel 246 extend fully through the wall 59, oil will be passed into the bearing from two sides.

Preferably a chamber 248 is provided near the outer end of the main oil duct I88 with a glass 249 sealing the top thereof to-give a visual indication of whether oil is flowing therethrough, and with a member 250 (Figs. 3 and 19) secured to the underside of the top plate with a screw 253 and having a struck up section 254 adapted to substantially seal the bottom of -the chamber but An .oil retainer 65 prevents Thus, oil may beto pass and direct oil from the chamber 248 to operating parts such as the main operating connections of the-feeding mechanism which underlie its outer end 252.

As described in detail hereinbefore, the outer walls 22-24 of the main frame 20 are preferably provided with a gasket 31 on their top edge adapted to prevent oil from leaking out of the main frame onto the adjacent work bench, and to form a noise insulator. In order to form a more effective seal and to provide additional protection against such adverse leakage, the present invention provides a plurality of depending walls 51, 58, 59, 255, and 256, any or all of which direct oil thrown off by the driving mechanism back onto the driving mechanism or downwardly into the oil reservoir. Thus, the amount of oil reaching the gasket 31 is greatly reduced and the danger of oil leakage minimized. e

The walls 51, 58, and 59 support the bearing 5|, 52, and 53, and also enclose ducts carrying oil to said bearings. One of the main advantages of the suspended inner walls is that they prevent oil from being thrown against the carrier slide 93 and thence passed outwardly of the machine at this point which is less efiectively sealed than the full solid side walls. Preferably, all four inner walls 58, 59, 255, and 258 are provided to completely encircle the main driving mechanism, and with the outer walls provide a very advantageous means to prevent oil from adversely getting onto the outside of the machine or onto the adjacent work bench.

These inner walls also serve the important purpose of confining and directing fine oil mist, created when oil is thrown off by the high speed moving parts to escape apertures 251 and 258 (Figs. 2, 12 and 20) underlying rods I and 88 to lubricate these rods in the bearings thereof located in the upstanding lugs 89 and 98. Fig. 28' discloses a rod I85a having a series of small longitudinal channels 285 and 286 with associated helical main channels 281 and 288 preferably within sleeves 289 and 298 or other suitable bearings. These channels may be given divers shapes. Pref erably the channels 281 and 288 conduct the bulk of oil downwardly around the rod I85a from the top of the oil apertures 251, or oil mist upwardly from the same apertures, while at the same time the channels 285 and 288 take the oil from the main channels 281 and 288 to distribute it lengthwise of the rod. Preferably, the helical or main channels 281 and 288 are arranged so that cross channels 281' and 288 align with the apertures 251 to insure a freer conducting passage of lubricant to the various channels. The same structure may be used to lubricate the rod 88 and other bearings. This is a very effective structure for lubricating bearings.

The inner walls direct oil mist upwardly through the aperture I85 to be deposited on threads being passed through the overlying thread guide I83. Since the threads are always of comparatively small diameter and pass through the guide at a very high speed, they collect but an infinitesimal amount of oil mist, just enough to facilitate the threads passing through and over subsequent guides and thereby minimize thread breakage, and not enough to discolor, stain, or otherwise mar the materials sewed.

As shown in Figs. 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10 a screen 292, stretched and supported by a rectangular frame 293 adjacent walls of the frame 28, and completely overlying the reservoir 26, is provided to catch lint and filter lubricant dropping from all parts of the driving mechanism and work plate. Thus, all lubricant may be-thoroughly filtered before reaching the pump I95. The screen may be removed easily for cleaning when there is an accumulation of lint and other undesirable matter.

The ducts 2I8, 2I8, and 244 according to the present invention may be cored and cast integral with the work plate 38 (as shown in the work plate 38' of Figs. 12, 13, and 14) between the top and bottom faces 288 and NI respectively. Thus, there is provided a very economical structure for guiding and distributing lubricant to various predetermined locations, and one in which there is no danger of kinking or splitting tubes or loosening soldered or threaded connections as can occur when usual open or exposed pipes are provided. Except for the cast ducts I88, 2I9, H8, and 244 this top plate 38' and all of the associated parts are the same as the plate 38 (Figs. 1-11) already described in detail.

Preferably, the main duct I88 and distributor ducts 2I8, 2I9, and 244 are formed by casting an interconnected pipe system 254, shown in Figs, 15-18, within the top plate 38 between the top and bottom faces 2" and 2. However, very special problems are involved in making this structure and the present invention provides a novel method of constructing this oiling system.

Method Difficulties are sometimes encountered when effort is made to core long small holes in castings, and sometimes air holes or other like imperfections extending to a duct formed by a cored hole allow adverse escape of fluid. While these disadvantages do not occur very often, it is preferable to have ducts formed with pipe linings. However, until the present invention, so far as applicant is aware, this has not been possible since molten metal of the casting would fill the pipes.

The present invention provides a very advantageous method of making a preferred oiling system with pipes cast within a work plate 38 or the like without danger of filling, or partly filling any of the pipes which would thereby render the system inoperative.

This method includes as a first step the cutting and forming of pipes to the shape of the l desired ducts. 2I8, 2I9, and 244 are formed by pipes I88, 2I8, 2I9', and 244. A second step comprises closing the ends of pipes. This may be accomplished by inserting plugs into the bores of the pipes at the ends thereof, or as shown may be done by simply crushing or flattening the ends. Closed ends 285 and 268 on the pipe 2I9, closed ends 261 and 268 on the pipes 2I8' and 244, respectively, see Figs. 15-18, absolutely prevent molten metal from entering at these points.

A third step consists of laying or securing the tubes together in spaced relation to each other. Preferably, the laid together pipes are welded as at 269 and 218 to make the interconnected pipe system 264 shown in Figs. 15 and 16. If preferred, the order of the second and third steps may be reversed, for it may be preferred to close the ends after the pipes are laid together. Also, the third step may be omitted entirely, as when i only one tube is to be cast in place to form a duct.

As a fourth step, the pipe system 264 is cast within the work plate 38 between the top and bottom faces 268 and 28I thereof. A pair of studs (not showni in the conventional die for forming the work plate, entering bores 21I and 212 of the pipes I88 and 244' at the ends thereof, serves satisfactorily to hold the pipe system in place and between the faces 288 and 28| during the casting thereof, so that the pipes are cast within the work plate, and also prevents molten metal from entering at these two open places in the system.

A fifth step consists of drilling or otherwise machining oil escape apertures in the various pipes. In the form shown, this comprises drilling apertures I99 and 286 associated with oil distributing webs 288, MI, 284, and 285 as hereinbefore described; drilling an aperture 213 to form an aperture between the pipes 2I9' and I88, and an aperture 214 through the outer end of the pipe 2I9' enables the latter pipe to transmit lubricant to the outlet 228 and channels 22I, 222, and 223 for distribution as hereinbefore described (preferably the lower section of apertures 213 and 214 are sealed with plugs 215 and 216); similarly drilling an aperture 218 to complete an oil transmitting channel from the main duct I88 and pipe I88 to the bearing 53- "bind preferably plugging the lower section of the aperture 218' with a plug 219; drilling or. coun- In the form shown in ducts I88,'

2,157,371 terboring the chamber 249 so that lubricant "may mitted to the chamber 2| 2 of the suspended housing I60 to oil the shafts II,-II0, and I8I and the like as hereinbefore described in detail.

It is within the purview of this invention to provide either a greater or smaller number of distributing ducts I88, IIII, 2I9, and 244 (pipes I88, 2H1, 2I9, and 244'). By drilling various sizes of apertures I99, 206, 2, 254', 213, 214, and 218, extent of lubricant distribution to various points may be closely regulated and positive supply of lubricant to the most remote points in the system may be insured.

Cover If preferred, all the movable operating parts on the top' of the work plate or 30! according to the present invention, may be substantially enclosed with a cover 384 in order to protect the operator from the cutter 86, needle III, and both the needle and trimmer operating mechanisms which are moved at very high ratesof speed; also, to guard against the possibility of an operator dropping a screw driver or any other thing down into the rapidly moving parts. It is particularly advantageous in enabling the operator to use his hands to move the work closer to the operating parts with safety.

The cover may be made of sheet metal, cast iron, or various other materials. Preferably,

though, it is made of molded transparent Bakelite, or shaped Celluloid, so that it is possible for the operator to thoroughly check up on the operation of the various parts and the movement of the thread and the like through the various guides and tensioning devices, even though the cover encloses all the upper moving parts;

The cover 384 is more completely shown in Figs. 1 and 3, and in complementary, though in lesser degree, by dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 2. It comprises a top 385, front and rear walls 386 and 381, and also left and right side walls 388 and 989. The lower edge of one or more of these walls may "be provided with a cushioning member 390,of rubber, leather, or the like to insure good fit between the cover and the work plate and particularly to prevent the possibility of minor vibrations in the sewing machine being developed into major/adverse resonant noises in the cover. 0

Of particular importance, the inside of the cover 385 is provided with depending walls 39I, 392, 393, and 394 having one or more suspended tips 395 which serves to collect the oil mist which rises out of the work plate openings I85, 251, and 258 into'drops of oil on tips 995 adapted to direct or drop the collected oil onto various underlying bearings. Additional tlps.for collecting and dripping oil onto additional moving parts may similarly be provided.

I The cover may be held on t e work platlgin various ways. In its present eferred for it is provided with a-snapconne on 296 adapted to pivotally secure theiiear wa l 381 of the cover to the shaft I 05 of the presse device, between the carrier block I04 and the lug 89.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of this invention and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. In a sewing machine the combination of a main frame forming an oil reservoir; 2. work plate on said main frame; a pump; main driving mechanism supported by said work plate; ducts integral with said work plate and associated with said pump adapted to direct oil onto [the main driving mechanism underlying said work plate; a chamber associated with said ducts and a member underlying and sealing said chamber and adapted to conduct oil therefrom to parts of the driving mechanism.

2. In a sewing machine the combination of a main frame forming a reservoir for lubricant; a work plate on said main frame having operative and inoperative positions relative thereto; a pump; main driving mechanism underlying said work plate; ducts within said work plate adapted 'on said main frame, having an oil conducting channel with an open end; a shoulder in said channel adjacent said open end; a needle operating mechanism; a rocker shaft in said needle operating mechanism, having an oil conducting bore with at least one outlet; a bearing for said shaft; an apertured gasket located in said channel between said shoulder and an end of said shaft; and means for directing oil from said oil reservoir into said channel in the work plate to pass through said bore and said outlet to said bearing.

4. In a sewing machine the combination of a main frame; a work plate; a depending housing on said work plate; lubricating meansysewing mechanism; a main pivotal mounting for a lower looper; a main pivotal mounting for an overedge looper; an intermediate pivotal mounting for said overedge looper; and 2. depending housing on said work plate supporting said pivotal mountings; and means on said depending housing adapted to confine and direct lubricant to .said pivotal mountings for said loopers.

5. In a sewing machine the combination of a frame forming an oil reservoir; a work plate on the frame having a top face and mist escape apertures; operating mechanism above the top face; a cover plate on the work plate; vanes within said cover plate adapted to collect mist passing upwardly through said mist apertures and to direct it onto predetermined parts of said operating mechanisms.

6. In a sewing machine the combination of a main frame; a work plate having a mist escape aperture; means for creating an oil mist beneath said work plate; and a thread guide associated with said mist aperture to lubricate threads passing through the guide.

7. In a sewing machine the combination of a shaft; a bearing for said shaft and having an oil entrance aperture; a helical channel on said shaft cooperating with said entrance aperture to carry oil around the shaft; and a plurality of small longitudinally extending channels associated with said helical channel for conducting oil lengthwise of the shaft.

8. In a sewing machine the combination of a main frame; a work plate on said main frame, having a top and a bottom face; driving mechanism below said work plate and supported thereby; a pair of superposed pipes for conducting oil to said driving mechanism and having contiguous portions, cast within said work plate between the top and bottom faces thereof, said work plate and said contiguous portions of said pipes being cut to provide communicating apertures; and a sealing plug closing the aperture in said work plate.

9. In a sewing machine the combination of a main frame defining a chamber; oil pumping means in said chamber; driving mechanism in said chamber; a work plate on said main frame, having a top and a bottom face, constituting a top for said chamber and overlying said driving mechanism, said work plate having at least one integral oil conducting duct extending intermediate said upper and lower faces and having at least one aperture extending from said bottom face to said duct; and a web on said bottom face, associated with said aperture for receiving oil therefrom and directing the same to said driving mechanism therebelow.

10. In a sewing machine the combination of a main frame; oil pumping means; a main drive shaft; drive shaft bearings; sewing mechanism; feeding mechanism; a work plate having a top and a bottom face overlying said drive shaft, said bearingsand said mechanism; webs for distributing oil, on the bottom face of the work plate; and pipes cast within said work plate intermediate the top and bottom face thereof, said work plate and said pipes having communicating apertures therein extending to said bottom face for directing oil to said webs, drive shaft, bearings, sewing mechanism, and feeding mechanism.

JOHN P. WEIS. 

